Gazza hall of fame induction sparks controversy

Nominees for Scottish Football's Hall of Fame are put forward by members of the public, before being considered by an independent committee of ex-players and journalists, and then being selected for induction.  In spite of the Hall of Fame carrying the name of the SFA, the association has no say in the awarding process.

Former Rangers player Gascoigne has been nominated for the honour alongside Scotland Women's record goalscorer Julie Fleeting and three other inductees, to be sworn in during an awards dinner at the Scottish national football stadium, Hampden Park. 

However, at least one member of the SFA board will not be in attendance at the event, citing the awarding of the honour for Gascoigne "inappropriate from a moral perspective", due to the Newcastle born player's many public misdemeanors throughout his career and personal life. 

A spokeswoman for the committee refused to comment on the reports when questioned by 'Sky', but it is understood that a potential review of Gascoigne's nomination would be unprecedented, and there are no plans to investigate it at this time. 

 

May 27, 2017

Gascoigne joined Rangers in 1995 from Italian club Lazio, and immediately wrote himself into Ibrox history with a goal in an early season 2-0  Old Firm Derby win away at archrival Celtic. 

Rangers would go on to win the title at the end of that campaign, but Gascoigne's three year spell with the club was plagued by on and off field controversies. For example, a drunken rage at a Gleneagles' hotel led Gascoigne to attack then-wife Sheryl, leaving her with multiple injuries, including a black eye. 

Gascoigne has habitually suffered with drug and alcohol addictions. The Geordie-born England star was convicted of racially aggravated abuse in 2016, when he made a highly misjudged comment at his 'Evening with Gazza' show. 

Although the SFA Board member boycotting the event has no personal issue with Gascoigne; it is widely believed that the growth of women's football, recent anti-racism and anti-sectarianism campaigns are all factors in the board member's decision to boycott the event completely.

The member has also asserted his belief that he will not be the only SFA member to skip the event for these reasons. 

The events is also due to feature a tribute to Scotland boss Alex McLeish, and so it is thought that many SFA Board members have a dilemma on their hands regarding attendance of the event.